Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate
Interested in a career in health care? The Medical Laboratory Assistant certificate can help you get there.
In the MLA certificate program, you are trained to perform the practical components of collecting, sorting and preparing patient samples for further testing and analysis. The majority of this training is completed online, so you can study at a time and place that works for you.
The program consists of five theory courses, a five-day workshop, and a clinical practicum conducted in a hospital or laboratory under criteria developed by TRU. Combined, these provide the theory and skills required for you to function as a MLA.
Practicum availability may be limited by geographic location, time of year, space and enrolment. Practicum placements cannot be guaranteed in your home region. Email olhealthscience@tru.ca to confirm where practicums can be arranged before applying to the program.
A maximum of 30 weeks is given to complete each course and an overall maximum of two years to complete the entire program. You are, however, encouraged to finish in under one year. The entire program is equivalent to 20–24 weeks of full-time study. No extensions are granted.
Careers
This program can lead to rewarding employment in a health care setting. As a MLA, you will collect patient samples in a variety of settings, including:
- Canadian blood services
- Community health clinics
- Hospitals
- Insurance companies
- Private labs
Program requirements
Admission requirements
- Grade 12 or equivalent: Submit Your transcripts
- Basic computer skills with typing at 40 words per minute (WPM) on a five-minute test: set up up a typing test through the TRU Assessment Centre
- Confirmation of a clinical practicum placement site
Completion of this form depends on the health authority you are seeking the practicum course with. Email olhealthscience@tru.ca before completing this form.
Certain admission requirements may be waived upon permission from the Academic Director or designate.
Additional requirements
- Consent to a Criminal Record Check (CRC)
- Submit a completed TRU-OL MLAB Medical Requirements form
Residency requirements
A minimum of 6 TRU credits (distance or campus)
Certificate requirements
18 credits total, as follows:
- HLTH 1981, Medical Terminology (3)
- HLTH 1141, Introduction to Electrocardiography (3)
- MDLB 1221, Professional Practices and Safety in Health Care (3)
- MDLB 1321, Phlebotomy Procedures and Specimen Preparation (3)
- MDLB 1521, Microbiology Specimen Preparation (3)
- MDLB 1525, MLA Workshop (0); see the Workshop Schedule
- MDLB 1721, Laboratory Practicum - Evaluation of Competencies (3)*
*Practicum courses may be limited by geographic location, time of year, space and enrolment. Practicum placements cannot be guaranteed in your home region.
Optional course
MDLB 1611, Pre-Analytical Procedures for Histopathology (3)